Why Core Values Are So Important…

It’s amazing to me how many times I can read the same section of Scripture and get something new from it every time.

As I was reading today, I realized that a team’s core values define more than their character when they interact with customers and partners. In fact, these core values define an ecosystem in which the entire team is reponsible for some very simple – yet powerful things…

1. Appreciation for supervision and teaching – if we are all working within the same worldview and core values, it’s easy to see that heirachy matters. In this heirachy, we get students and teachers. We get coaches and mentors. We get an appreciation for the wisdom that has come before us and an openness to learn. Without this appreciation, we construct “us against them” mentalities that break down the very fabric of our businesses.

2. An open discussion about process and people improvement – in today’s era of human resources overreach, it’s hard to feel comfortable providing constructive criticism because it seems there’s a risk of having it spun into harassment or discrimination. But, if we examine this bit of scripture, we see that as long as we’re all working within the same set of ‘rules’, the same ethics, the same right-from-wrong understanding…then it’s not just our responsiblity, but our duty to keep one another in line. And, if we take this seriously, this translates into an attitude of continual process and people improvement. This improvement is seen as positive, not aggressive, not unfair, not harassing and not discrimintory. It’s good for the person and it’s great for the team.

3. A framework in which you can take calculated risks – we’re bound to make mistakes. And, as we stretch ourselves and our companies, we’re bound to make bigger and bigger mistakes daily. However, if we’re all working from the same worldview, core values and appreciation for one another, then we make mistakes with good intentions. While mistake can and will hurt, those not made maliciously build the team faster than not being able to make mistakes at all. It is with these mistakes that we manage risk and “fall forward”.

So…if we were to apply these to work today, what might it look like?

1. Say thanks to your supervisor for teaching you something and be open to teach someone else.

2. View criticism as a way of building a stronger team and a stronger you. And, as you’re providing criticism, view it as a way to caring enough about someone else’s future in the team and in their career that you approach the critique with grace and mercy.

3. Set yourself and your team up for the right kind of failure. Regularly review your core values. Regularly review the changes that need to be taken to grow the business, grow the customer and grow yourself. Then, take on that risk that’s consistent with the core values and watch everyone grow from your experience!

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Bradley Waldrop

You may have heard me hosting Business Integrity Matters™ radio, seen me on television, or watched me present to a group. However, you may not realize that I am a distinguished civil engineer and business operations specialist.
All this experience has prepared me for my new role in life - to help others practically apply a biblical worldview to their business through writing, speaking, consulting, coaching and training. While this adventure started when I was a teenager, it was accelerated when Andrea, my wife, suggested that God was trying to move us from Southern California.
Since Andrea heard that still small voice it has been a complete mixture of blessings and challenges. That whisper turned into a distinct call to relocate to the mountains on the other side of the United States. Since relocating our family to Western North Carolina, I have been overwhelmed by the growth of Business Integrity Matters ™ Radio and television. I continue to say that each day is filled with simple acts of obedience by on broken man.
While I don't have everything figured out I still struggle with my own sin, I have an abundant appreciation for God's grace and mercy in my life. Until called to do something else, I am excited to be along side business owners, ministries leaders, and faithful workers as God tells His story through His people at work.